Outlook uses Outlook Express in a "news only" mode when you use the Go, News menu. If you don't like using the Go, New menu, you can create your own desktop or Quick Launch shortcuts using either of the following switches to load only the news module:

"C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe" /newsonly
"C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe" /outnews

Right click on your desktop and choose New Shortcut. Browse for msimn.exe and add the switch at the end or copy one of the command lines above and paste it into the dialog.

Either switch loads Outlook Express with news capability only, while /outnews also changes the titlebar to Outlook Newsreader.

You can add the shortcut to your Outlook Bar or Shortcut pane by dragging it from the desktop to Outlook.